A restaurant in Marbella has sparked debate online after adding a controversial item to its bills.
In a photo shared on social media, the receipt from this week shows how a tip was included in the price.
The total amount was €143.09, which climbed to €157.40 after the application of 10% IVA.
Then, a row reads ‘suggested tip: 10%’, meaning a further €15.74 was added. It then said the total with ‘tip included’, was €173.14.
It is not clear if the restaurant gave the diners the option to pay the ‘suggested’ tip or not.
The image was shared by the popular ‘Soy Camarero’ Facebook group.
The caption read: ‘This receipt is from a restaurant in Marbella… What do you think about adding the tip to the receipt?’
One commenter said: ‘Maybe there are people who could tip €15 and the service would be worth it, but even suggesting it is shocking, and considering the prices they charge, it’s clear that no one will accept their suggestion.’
Another wrote: ‘Bad, because then we’ll move towards the US model, where waiters don’t receive a living wage and depend on tips. Whoever wants to tip, tip.’
One commenter wrote: ‘For my part, even if they treat me wonderfully, if they write that on the receipt, the tip will come out to 0.
‘I’m very sorry, but I’ll tip whatever I feel is appropriate. It starts like this, and then the kids end up like in the US.’
In Spain, the prices on the menu include VAT (IVA) and staff wages, so there’s no need to add an obligatory service charge like in some countries.
Tips, aka propinas, are seen as a gesture of appreciation, not an obligation. Customers usually round up the bill or leave small change (maybe 5-10% at most in more formal restaurants).
A restaurant or bar could add an extra service charge line to the bill, but they must make it very clear to the customer, otherwise it could be considered misleading pricing under Spanish consumer law.
The Spanish Ley de Consumidores y Usuarios requires full price transparency. So if a business includes a tip or service charge without informing the customer in advance, it could be challenged as an unfair commercial practice.
Read more Costa del Sol news at the Spanish Eye.
